You stop into Starbucks for a cup of
coffee. Coffee is safe, right? Then you see all the delicious flavors: Caramel Macchiato, Caffee Mocha, Maple Macchiato.
Are they all gluten-free? Which ones? How about a simple hot chocolate?
Find out here in Starbuck’s allergen list. You’ll be surprised what we can and cannot have.
M acroamylasemia is an acquired enzyme disorder that causes elevated levels of the enzyme amylase (hyperamylasaemia) in the bloodstream. It is characterized by altered amylase molecules that have become abnormally bound with plasma proteins in the bloodstream, commonly IgG (immunoglobulin G) and/or IgA (immunoglobulin A).
The resulting molecule is too large to be properly filtered by the kidneys and excreted in the urine as would be normal unbound amylase, causing sustained elevation of amylase levels in the plasma.
With normal kidney function, a hyperamylasemia without an increase in urine amylase suggests the diagnosis of macroamylasemia, and is confirmed by identifying the macromolecular components.1
Amylase is a an enzyme produced by the pancreas and the parotid glands to digest starch in the diet. Comparatively small amounts are also produced by other organs.
Q: How do the pancreas and parotid glands deliver their amylase for digestion of starch?
A: The parotid glands deliver their amylase into the mouth. The action of amylase in the mouth starts the breakdown of starch as it is chewed and moistened with saliva.
After the starchy food is liquified in the stomach, the mass empties into the duodenum. Here pancreatic amylase is delivered through the common bile duct into the duodenum where it turns starch into maltose sugar. The next step to final digestion of starch is carried out by enzymes in the small intestinal lining that split maltose into its component sugar which is glucose.
Glucose is a simple sugar that can be absorbed into the bloodstream for use in the body. Humans cannot live without adequate glucose.
Distinquishing macroamylasemia from hyperamylasemia due to pancreatic disease is necessary to prevent needless treatment and investigation for pancreatitis.2
Wegmans Gluten Free Double Chocolate Brownie Mix, All Purpose Baking Mix, Honey Cornbread Mix, and Chocolate Cake Mix have been recalled because they may contain undeclared allergens, including milk, soy or pecans. Individuals who have allergies to those undeclared ingredients are at a serious risk of life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume those products.
